Diamondbacks cool off Braves

IAN KENNEDY took advantage of Arizona's early offensive outburst.

Gerardo Parra hit his first career grand slam to cap a five-run second inning and the Diamondbacks beat the visiting Atlanta Braves, 6-4, Sunday, snapping a five-game losing streak.

The Phillies open a three-game series at Arizona Monday night.

"It's nice having a 5-1 lead going into the third inning," said Kennedy (3-0). "You can be a little more aggressive with the guys in the middle of the lineup."

Atlanta had won five in a row.

"We ran into a hot ballclub," said Arizona manager Kirk Gibson. "This feels pretty good. It makes you smile. It's been a while since we've shaken hands after a game."

Randall Delgado (2-1) retired the first two Arizona batters in the second. Jason Kubel then singled, Cody Ransom doubled and John McDonald was intentionally walked to load the bases. Delgado walked Kennedy on four pitches before Parra hit a drive into the pool area beyond the right-centerfield fence for a 5-1 lead.

At Houston, Jordan Schafer hit his first career grand slam on a shot that bounced off the glove of Dodgers rightfielder Andre Ethier, Wandy Rodriguez (1-2) pitched three-hit ball through seven innings and the Houston Astros romped past Los Angeles, 12-0. The Astros avoided a sweep.

* At Milwaukee, Michael Cuddyer lined a two-run double in the eighth and Jeremy Guthrie (2-1) pitched seven strong innings, leading the Colorado Rockies over the Brewers, 4-1. Francisco Rodriguez (0-2) took the loss in relief.

* At Pittsburgh, Kyle Lohse (3-0) scattered six hits while pitching into the eighth inning to lead the St. Louis Cardinals past the Pirates, 5-1. David Freese had a two-run single for the Cardinals.

* At Chicago, Johnny Cueto (2-0) threw 6 1/3 strong innings to lead the Cincinnati Reds past the Cubs, 4-3. Cueto allowed one earned run, scattering five hits. He struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 1.78. Rodrigo Lopez (0-1) took the loss in relief.

* At New York, San Francisco's scheduled game against the Mets was rained out and will be played today as part of a doubleheader starting at 4:10 p.m.

* At Washington, Miami's scheduled game against the Nationals was rained out, with no makeup date announced.

San Diego infielder-outfielder Kyle Blanks will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder. Blanks, 25, tore his labrum while swinging a bat. He missed time in spring training with the injury, but played in four games before going on the disabled list on April 14.